Concrete & Turf Combos: Modern Design Ideas for a Low-Maintenance Long Beach Yard

The traditional Long Beach backyard—a fragile rectangle of thirsty grass bordered by a concrete slab—is officially outdated. A new aesthetic has taken its place, one that celebrates the “marriage” of hardscaping and greenery. This “green-meets-gray” look, which combines sleek concrete with vibrant artificial turf, is defining the modern, low-maintenance Southern California lifestyle.

At GAGA US Construction, we’ve seen this trend evolve from a niche design choice to the new standard for hardscaping design. The combination of concrete with turf design is more than just a modern, stylish look; it’s a functional, durable, and water-wise solution built for outdoor living.

More Than Just Looks: The Functional Benefits of Pavers and Turf

This trend is a direct functional response to the Southern California climate. A backyard composed entirely of concrete or pavers becomes an unusable “heat island,” absorbing and radiating the intense Long Beach sun.

The concrete with turf design solves this. The turf strips act as cooling breaks within the hardscape, reducing heat retention compared to full paver patios. Furthermore, the turf adds a much-needed softness underfoot to the hardscape, making the entire outdoor patio more comfortable and visually balanced. This blend of durable, low-maintenance materials creates a clean and contemporary space that is usable year-round.

Design Inspiration: A Portfolio of Low-Maintenance Ideas

The versatility of this combination allows for endless creativity. Here are a few of the most popular designs we install:

1. Turf Ribbons / Strips: This is the most popular modern look. It involves leaving gaps a few inches wide between large-format concrete pavers or poured concrete slabs. These gaps are then filled with artificial turf. The clean, geometric lines are perfect for walkways, patios, and even driveways.

2. Checkerboard Design: A classic, formal pattern that involves alternating square pavers with squares of artificial grass. This creates a strong, graphic look that can make a small courtyard feel larger and more dynamic.

3. Turf Borders: This design uses artificial turf as a lush, green border to frame a central concrete patio and turf area. This softens the transition from the hardscape to the rest of the yard and eliminates the need for fragile, hard-to-maintain grass edging.

The Expert Warning for Driveways

While turf ribbons can be used to create stunning driveways, there is a critical engineering constraint that GAGA US Construction always emphasizes. This design is only possible as long as the wheels of the vehicle rest mainly on the concrete or stone.

A homeowner might assume a checkerboard design is suitable for a driveway, but it is not. The vehicle’s weight would rest on the turf squares, which are supported by a softer aggregate base, causing ruts and destroying the installation. For driveways, only narrow turf ribbons between load-bearing concrete pads are an acceptable and durable design.

The Technical Guide: How to Install Artificial Turf Between Pavers

Achieving the sharp, modern look seen in design portfolios requires a flawless, professional installation. The seams must be invisible and the edges perfectly cut. More importantly, the installation method is completely different depending on the project’s base.

Project A: New Installation (on a Soil Base)

This is the most common method for a new hardscaping design.

1. Base Prep: The pavers are laid on their own compacted base, and the gaps between them are excavated and filled with several inches of a compacted aggregate base.

2. Cutting Turf: The turf strips are unrolled (ensuring all fibers face the same direction) and cut, leaving an extra 1–2 inches on each side for precise trimming.

3. Securing Turf: The turf is stretched, and the trimmed edges are tucked tightly against the pavers. The strips are then secured into the aggregate base using 6-inch staples or non-galvanized turf nails placed every few inches.

4. Infill: Sand infill is spread and brushed into the fibers to give the turf weight and stability.

Project B: Retrofit Installation (on Existing Concrete)

This is a far more complex, expert-level job. A homeowner may want to modernize an old, sprawling concrete patio by cutting out strips and adding turf. This is where most DIY or low-bid installations fail.

1. Drainage: This is the most critical step. The existing concrete slab is non-permeable. If turf is simply glued down, water will pool, creating mold, mildew, and odor. A professional must drill holes to ensure proper drainage through the concrete before any turf is installed.

2. Securing: You cannot use nails in concrete. The turf strips must be secured using a specialized, weather-proof artificial grass adhesive applied around the perimeter to create a permanent bond.

Conclusion: The Future of the Long Beach Yard

The concrete with turf design is not just a trend; it is the future of low-maintenance landscaping. It provides a solution that is durable, water-wise, and beautiful year-round. It saves time, saves resources, and transforms your yard from a chore into a sophisticated outdoor living space.

This modern combination of hardscape and turf is especially popular for pool decks. However, when designing an area for bare feet, the hardscaping materials pool selection becomes the most important factor for safety and comfort.